Trump DHS blocks Harvard's ability to enroll international students
Share this @internewscast.com


The Trump administration told Harvard University on Thursday it no longer would be allowed to enroll international students, a significant escalation in President Trump’s war against the university.

Kristi Noem, the head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), ordered Harvard to be taken off the Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification.   

Along with not allowing new foreign students, the DHS said the thousands of current foreign-born students at Harvard “must transfer or lose their legal status.” 

“This administration is holding Harvard accountable for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus,” Noem said. “It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from their higher tuition payments to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments.  

“Harvard had plenty of opportunity to do the right thing. It refused. They have lost their Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification as a result of their failure to adhere to the law. Let this serve as a warning to all universities and academic institutions across the country.”

International students made up 27 percent of Harvard’s student body in the 2024-25 academic year, with nearly 7,000 enrolled. Such students typically pay more to their universities than those from the U.S. and contribute billions of dollars to the American economy. 

“The government’s action is unlawful. We are fully committed to maintaining Harvard’s ability to host our international students and scholars, who hail from more than 140 countries and enrich the University and this nation immeasurably,” a spokesperson for the school said.

“We are working quickly to provide guidance and support to members of our community. This retaliatory action threatens serious harm to the Harvard community and our country, and undermines Harvard’s academic and research mission,” they added.

The New York Times was the first to report the news. One person familiar with the discussions told the Times that Harvard likely will mount a legal challenge to the move.

The university and the DHS have reportedly been battling for days over records requests regarding information about Harvard’s international students and their visas.

The Trump administration has launched a multi-front pressure campaign against Harvard after the university refused to bow to its demands for changes to its admissions and hiring policies, as well as getting rid of diversity, equity and inclusion programs.  

The Trump administration and Harvard are already locked into a legal battle after the federal government pulled almost $3 billion in funding.  

Noem’s announcement ramps up not only Trump’s fight with Harvard but also his broader crackdown on international students.  

The administration has arrested numerous foreign students and faculty in the past three months, seeking to have them deported. 

Many of the high-profile cases were against individuals who have supported Palestine publicly on their campuses, with the White House arguing they post a threat to the foreign policy of the United States.  

Students have been arrested off the streets and during naturalization interviews, with several quickly transferred to a federal detention center in Louisiana, sometimes thousands of miles away from home.  

A judge ruled on Thursday to stop the federal government from terminating the legal status of international students across the country, arresting the individuals or transferring them outside the jurisdiction of residence.  

Updated at 2:57 p.m. EDT

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like

Healthcare transport service issues apology for dropping woman off at incorrect address

In Tampa, Florida, Ronnette Hall voiced her dissatisfaction earlier this week about…

Lightning Strikes Ruin All Fireworks for July 4th Festivities in Sanford

SANFORD, Fla. – On Friday, lightning caused destruction to the fireworks equipment…

“Did You Know There’s a Tall Club? Join the Gathering in Michigan this Week!”

() The average height of people in Michigan is a bit higher…

‘Star Wars’ Actor Kenneth Colley Passes Away at 87

(NEXSTAR) – Kenneth Colley, the English actor celebrated for his role as…

South Carolina’s Job Opportunities on the Rise

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WSPA) – Recent statistics from the South Carolina Department of…

Family of 3 and Several Others Struck by Lightning at Dolphin Beach Resort in St. Pete Beach

ST. PETE BEACH, Fla. (WFLA) — The Independence Day celebrations at Dolphin…

New Jersey Man Arrested Following Altercation on Frontier Flight to Florida

MIAMI, Fla. (WFLA) — On a Sunday, June 29, a physical altercation…

Asian Markets Show Mixed Performance amid Looming Trump Tariff Deadline; US Stocks Hit New Highs

MANILA – Asian shares showed a mixed performance on Friday following the…

Live Coverage: Several Confirmed Fatalities in Texas Floods

() Heavy rains caused a catastrophic flood emergency in Texas on Friday,…

The Impact of Trump’s Major Legislation on Health Care

The massive tax cut legislation passed by the House and Senate this…

“Cat Rescued from Eaton Fire Deemed ‘Too Needy’ for Shelter, Quickly Gets Adopted into a Loving Home”

A mature cat that arrived at a Pasadena shelter in the aftermath…

Trump Plans to Allow Farmers Greater Control Over Migrant Workers

() President Donald Trump has pledged to protect American farmers who rely…